A homeless Liberian immigrant who spent 31 days locked up at the Adult Correctional Institutions for a crime he didn’t commit has notified the City of Woonsocket that he plans to sue for damages. A lawyer representing Mack Blackie, 36, filed a notice of claim with the city on Wednesday, that his client is seeking […]
police
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
Overhaul of measure governing police discipline signed into law
The first major overhaul of a controversial 48-year-old measure governing internal discipline of police in Rhode Island was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Dan McKee. The Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights — blamed by critics for inhibiting appropriate management of police who engage in misconduct — has defied changes for decades. But the […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
Transparency debated in new LEOBOR bill
Does the bill passed last week by the Rhode Island House of Representatives that would change the police bill of rights, known as LEOBOR, mark a setback for transparency in government? It depends who you ask. In a web posting Monday, the New England First Amendment Coalition and affiliated groups say the bill would keep […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
On a lopsided vote, the Rhode Island House passes a bill to overhaul police discipline
A bill overhauling how Rhode Island police departments handle misconduct cleared an important hurdle Thursday, clearing the House of Representatives on a 58-to-14 vote, although supporters and critics clashed on whether the legislation goes far enough to ensure public accountability. Efforts to change the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, or LEOBOR, were a non-starter […]
Posted inNPR
Where gun violence is common, some students say physical safety is a top concern
The federal government is investing billions to bolster school safety and mental health resources to combat gun violence. But some sense a disconnect between those programs and what students need.
Posted inNPR
Many 911 call centers are understaffed, and the job has gotten harder
More cities are adopting alternative response models, where mental health clinicians respond instead of police. The question of who to send usually rests with 911 workers, who are often overworked and overstressed.
Posted inNPR
Police track down escaped Idaho prison gang member and his accomplice
Police arrested two white supremacist gang members — an Idaho prison inmate and the accomplice who helped him escape — following an attack on corrections officers at a Boise hospital.
Posted inNPR
Haiti declares a curfew as it tries to restore order after weekend jailbreaks
Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency and curfew Sunday in a bid to regain control after violence over the weekend saw armed gang members storm the country’s two biggest prisons.
Posted inHousing, Local, Newport Bureau
Newport’s housing woes put strain on municipal workers
At 8 a.m., just before the first class of the day, students poured into the hallway at Thompson Middle School. Their voices buzzed and bounced off the ceiling and floor as they talked about the girls’ basketball team’s big win then slammed their lockers and headed to class. Eighth-grade social studies teacher Katie Behan stood […]
Posted inArticle
Woonsocket officer disciplined for wrongful arrest of homeless Liberian immigrant
A Woonsocket police detective who oversaw an investigation that resulted in the wrongful arrest and incarceration of Mack Blackie, a 35-year-old homeless Liberian immigrant, has been suspended without pay for 10 days and demoted to patrol officer. Timothy M. Hammond “failed to follow standard investigative procedures which ultimately led to the improper arrest of Mr. […]